Captain Equestria: The First Avenger

HYDRA HQ

Fast wind blew spreading snow across the mountains, In the side of one of the mountains a series of windows showed a single unicorn looking out of it before turning into the room

“Are you ready, Dr. Horse?” Crimson Rain asked the earth pony working on a series of machines

“Patience my friend” Dr. Horse as he worked on the calibration system. “My machine requires the most delicate calibration.” the doctor peered through a magnifier. “So please forgive me if I seem overcautious with the power chamber”

Crimson Rain picks up one of the doctor’s blueprints double checking the device. “Are you certain the conductors will withstand the energy surge long enough for the transference?” Crimson Rain asked approaching the machine

“I cannot say for certain,” Dr. Horse said, moving away from the machine. “With this an artifact of this caliber I am certain of nothing.”

“As a matter of fact, If I may be so bold to say Crimson,” The Doctor eyes more conduits snaking from the battery to a crude cannon and a series of wooden targets. “I fear this may not work at all.”

Crimson glances at the carved box from Norway, which sat on his desk. “Have no fear Doctor.” The unicorn said with a grin. “I have complete faith in you”

However Crimson’s grin faded. “But should it fail then we have lost valuable time,
Doctor.” Crimson said, putting his arm around the doctor’s shoulders. “And then I’d have to put a bullet in your the head”

“That’s comforting Crimson” Dr. Horse said with sarcasm in his voice

“But if it does work…” Crimson said, pulling a small book from his coat before showing the doctor the contents.

A Mammoth thee with a snake hidden its roots, the unicorn flips the page showing a sketch of a glowing cube which held the power to lay waste to a horde of barbarians

“In a matter of minutes, we might control the power of the gods themselves.” Crimson said with a mad grin, one which the doctor shared with him

“It is a moment of terrible possibility.” Dr. Horse said as he turned the machine on. “Now..for the power source” The earth pony said turning to see Crimson approaching with the wooden box

Crimson opens the box and is immediately bathed in a blinding red light, As the doctor secures his tinted goggles. Crimson Rain pulls a cube out of the box with a wide smile.

“An incredible object of pure energy” Crimson said with glee as he places the glowing cube on the machines cradle

The Cube goes down into the machine before the glass starts to glow, covering the chamber the interior of the block was as yet apparent behind the gleam. Crimson goes after machine and starts to turn a dial causing a gauge marked ‘ENERGIE BATTERIE’ to glow red, bit by bit more of the machine turned red leading to the massive cannon

“Power rising to twenty percent...forty percent” Dr. Horse reported watching the power climb “Sixty percent, Crimson” however the battery remained cold and dark causing the doctor to slightly sweat in worry

“We are stable at seventy percent.” Dr. Horse informed turning to the unicorn. “We are well within safety parameters, best to stop now”

“With all do respect Doctor I did not come all this way for safety” Crimson said grinning madly as he turns the dial passing both eighty and ninety percent

“Crimson at those levels the power may be uncontrollable” Dr. Horse voiced his concern however Crimson cranks the dial all the way to one-hundred percent.

The machine began to rattle and arc electricity as otherworldly power bursts from the cube in a burning flash, a flash that floods the conduits before filling the entire battery with its red energy. The machine began to shake violently as the glowing battery rattled, just as the battery appeared to burst the red energy flashes in a swirling rush of lightning.

“Not good” Dr. Horse said grabbing Crimson before dragging him to the ground

The machine began to spark as it fired several beams of red energy, the beam utterly vaporizing the targets. The beams would have destroyed more than the targets had Dr. Horse not pulled a switch which promptly shut the cannon offline.

Crimson and Dr. Horse lift themself from the ground as they gape at the fading energy,

Crimson and Dr. Horse lift themself from the ground as they gape at the fading energy. The cube powers down however the battery still glows red and humming with life, within the swirling energy both ponies see otherworldly visions, the Doctor looked uneasy to where they saw the visions

“Crimson...Did you see…” The doctor uttered out looking to Crimson Rain

Crimson Rain just stares at the destruction around him with a wide smile across his face. “Thank you, Doctor.” Crimson said admiring the damage left by the weapon. “Your designs do
not disappoint”

The two looked around the room and found a lot of the walls were torn apart with wires hanging out, towards the door was a massive hole leading right into halls.

“Though I’d request they get proper reinforcement.” Crimson said as the doctor took a look at the gauge with an impressed smile on his face.

“Remarkable,” Dr. Horse said with a massive smile on his face. “The exchange is stable... The energy we’ve just collected could power a battleship. No Ten battleships.” the Doctor said lifting the energized container. “This will change the war.”

“I’m afraid you’re wrong Doctor,” Crimson said, his hands shaking with a pure smile on his face. “This will change the world for the rest of time.”

Ponies, Griffons, and even Dragons were lined up awaiting the company of their commander, Dusk was sandwiched between two hulking men which in turn made him look even smaller. However Dusk had a look of pure determination as he checked and double checked his uniform and helmet.

“Recruits, Attention!” A alicorn wearing a dark green suit called out walking in front of the recruits with a soldier following behind with a crate of clipboards.

The Alicorn had a light pink coat, Her eyes are a vibrant light purple and her hair was stripped in colors of pale yellow, bright pink, and purple.

“Gentlemen, my name is Agent Mi Amore Cadenza.” The agent said to the recruits. “Once we have time to get acquainted you may call me Cadence”

Majority of the men looked at the alicorn with a blush on their face from her sheer beauty.

“I will be supervising your induction today.” Cadence said as the soldier began to pass out the clipboards. “To begin with, I shall need you to complete this document.”

Dusk looks over the clipboard and finds that the documents were his ‘Last Will and Testament, the two guys next to him look at each other nervously as they saw the documents. However Dusk was not fazed as he worked on the document. An earth pony stallion scoffs and grumbles as he takes the paper

“What’s with the accent, Queeny?” the stallion joked with a chuckle. “I thought I was signing
up for the Equestrian Army.

“What’s your name, soldier?” Cadence the pony

“Diamond Crown, your majesty.” Diamond Mocked with a laugh

“Step forward,Crown.” Cadence ordered

As Diamond Crown steps up to the Alicorn, she taps her foot on the ground indicating where he should stand.

“Right leg forward, arms like so…” Cadence said placing her hands behind her back as Crown did the same

“We gonna rassle?” Crown joked before winking at the mare “‘Cause I got a few moves I know you’ll like.”

Cadence smirked as she came close, also putting one leg forward.

“Tell me Mr. Crown, Are you familiar with the art of Jiu Jitsu?” Cadence asked the earth pony stallion. “Wherein your opponent’s size and momentum are used against him?

“No...But I know a thing or two about momentum” Diamond Crown smirked

As fast as lightning the Alicorn punches Crown square in his nose, the stallion drops to the ground in a heap as his eyes begin to water and blood starts dripping from his nose.

Cadence composed herself before glaring at the stallion. “Well I don’t know Jiu Jitsu,” Cadence said casually. “But that doesn’t mean I don’t know how kick your pathetic flank

The men begin to snicker at the humiliation of the earth pony, Dusk looks especially pleased seeing him put in his place.

“Agent Cadenza!” A voice called out causing the men to leap to attention

“Colonel Night Light.” Cadence said with a nod as a older unicorn stallion approached with Doctor Sunset Glare behind him

Dusk immediately grew increasingly nervous hearing the name of the Colonel, his company commander was in fact Shining Armor’s father.

“I see you’re breaking in the candidates.” Night Light stood next to Cadence. “That’s good.” the Colonel glanced down to Diamond Crown. “Get your ass up and stand at attention until someone tells you what to do”

Crown scurries back to his feet before standing in line, all the while constantly inhaling through his nose to keep the blood from leaking out. Colonel Night Light stands before the men and begins to give them words of encouragement

“General Night Glider has said that “wars are fought with weapons and won by men.” Night Light said, looking over his men. “We’re going to win this war because we have the best men…” Night hesitates in his speech when his eyes land on a familiar unicorn. “...And because they are going to get better. Much. Much better.”

With his words finished the colonel walked right up to the doctor. “What the hell is Dusk doing here?” Night whispered to Sunset

“He asked for a chance,” Sunset whispered back with a smirk. “So I gave him one”

“You’re going to give me more grey hair than I already have doctor” Night Light said returning to face his men

“The Strategic Scientific Reserve isan Allied effort, made up of the best minds in the free world.” Night Light continued. “Our goal is to create the finest army in history. But every army starts with one man.”

“By the end of this week, we’re going to choose that man.” Cadence said to the recruits

“He’s going to be the first of a new breed of super soldiers.” Night Light said, placing his hands behind his beck. “And together they’re going to bring a quick end to this damn war”

“Dismissed, we begin tomorrow” Cadence called out as the men began to head to the barracks,

Dusk Shine wanted to stay behind to speak with the stallion who gave him a home after his mother passed, however Night Light passed him but not before speaking to the unicorn.

“Don’t expect to be treated any different just cause you’re my sons friend” Night Light said leaving with Sunset and Cadence

“Good Luck” Sunset said with a thumbs up

Dusk Shine enters the barracks with the other recruits, passing the recruits the unicorn saw Diamond Crown putting up a pin-up of a grey mare with a spoon in her mouth. Once settled at his bunk, Dusk unpacks a stack of well-worn military books. While the others were getting to know one another, Dusk was reading through the books before heading to bed.

That morning Dusk and the other recruits were going through an obstacle course, however Dusk was slowly falling behind. The recruits soon scramble up a cargo net, unfortunately Dusk’s foot gets tangled on the way up causing him to fall back. With his foot caught in the ropes Dusk was left hanging in the air, Diamond Crown climbs over Dusk by smashing the unicorn's face with his booted foot.

From an observation platform, Sunset Glare watched as Dusk grimaces but hauls himself up with a determined look on his face.

“He has Determination to push himself,” Sunset said with a growing smile. “And that detestable stallion...Let’s see how you push yourself young man”

Later that day Cadence glanced at her stopwatch before returning the gaze to the recruits who were crawling through mud with rifles in their hands beneath barbed wire, with a massive grin on his face Diamond kicked out a support causing the barbed wire to fall onto Dusk

“Shine, get that rifle out of the mud!” the Trainer shouted, stomping towards the unicorn.

The next day the trainer had the recruits in full gear for a full ten mile hike, meanwhile Dusk was far behind as the group stopped at a flagpole. Night Light and Cadence sat in a car close to the flag.

“Alright ladies, see that flag” the trainer said pointing to the waving flag. “That means we’re at the halfway mark, First man to bring it to me gets a ride back to base with Agent Cadenza”

Immediately the recruits scramble to climb the pole only to lose grip and fall back to the ground, the trainer watches this with a wide smile on his face. Diamond Crown shoved all others out of the way before scaling the pole, only to make it halfway before falling back down.

“That flag hasn’t left that pole in the last seventeen years” the Trainer said before barking the men to fall back into line

Hearing a slight laugh the trainer gazed at the Smiling Dusk. “Something funny, Shine?”

“I thought this was going to be a challenge” Dusk stated as the trainer stepped towards him

“Meaning?” The trainer asked stopping in front of the meek unicorn

“I’m going to get you that flag” Dusk said making the trainer laugh

“If none of these men..” the trainer said motioning towards the fit men. “..Couldn’t get the flag, then how will you?”

Dusk said nothing as he approached the flagpole before reaching to the base of it, the unicorn pulled out a bolt before kicking the metal rod from the pole. The flagpole leaned forward before crashing to the ground, with a satisfied smile dusk tossed the bolt to the ground before removing the flag from the pole.

“Like this” Dusk said, handing the flag to the trainer before hopping in the car with Cadence and Night Light. “Not even a challenge”

“Shining always said you were a smartass” Night Light said with a smile that was mirrored by Cadence as he drove off to the base

Later that day Dusk and the other recruits were doing push-ups while Cadence paced around them.

“Faster ladies come on, My grandmother has more life than this,” Cadence said to the recruits. “God rest her soul” Cadence whispered

“I guess I just don’t understand your sense of humor, Doctor Glare,” Night Light said as he and Sunset walked towards the recruits. “You’re not thinking of picking Shine, are you?

“There is no debate about this, Colonel.” Sunset said, walking ahead of the colonel. “He is the clear choice.”

“Look when you invited a ninety-pound asthmatic bookworm onto my Army base, I let it slide because I assumed he’d be useful to you.” Night Light said catching up with the doctor. “Like an assistant or apprentice, I’d never thought you’d pick him.

They stopped near an open truck which had numerous crates inside as the recruits began to do jumping jacks. “He’s so thin that if you put a needle in that kid's arm, it’s gonna come out the other side.” They watch Dusk struggling to do his jumping jacks. “I mean I respect the hell out of the kid but look at him! He’s making me cry.”

“I am searching for qualities beyond the physical, Night Light” Sunset Glare said to the colonel.

“Do you know how long it took to set up this project?” Night Light asked the yellow and red haired doctor. “The groveling I had to do in front of Senator whats-his-name’s committee?”

“I’m well aware of your efforts.” Sunset said to the colonel

“Crown has passed every test we gave him.” Night Light said as he watched Diamond Crown powers through his jumping jacks. “He’s big, he’s fast, and he takes orders. In short, he’s a soldier.”

“He’s a bully.” Sunset corrected

Night Light stares at Sunset Glare for a long moment before he rubs his eyes, the colonel reaches into a crate from the nearby truck

“Doctor Glare, You don’t win wars with niceness,” Night Light said, pulling a grenade from the truck. “You win them..” the unicorn pulls the pin before the safety lever sprang off “...with guts.”

Night Light throws the explosive at the recruits. “GRENADE!”

It tumbles in the grass, stopping in front of the recruits. Dusk’s eyes go wide as the rest of the recruits scramble away. Diamond Crown let out a high pitched scream, the stallion runs and throws himself underneath a nearby jeep. Cadence goes for the grenade, but Dusk gets there first before throwing himself on it

“Everybody DOWN!” Dusk shouted and waited for the explosion...But nothing happens

After a moment, Dusk opens his eyes, confused. Over by the truck

At the truck, Night Light just glares before Dusk spots the crate in the truck which was labeled “M-56 TRAINING GRENADES - INERT.” Sunset smiles at the Colonel as Diamond Crown peaks out from under the jeep, shame plastered on his face

“Uh...is this a test?” Dusk asked, still splayed over the inert grenade.

“He’s still a toothpick” Night Light said to the doctor before walking off